How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost?

Water in the basement leads to many problems, including compromising the house’s strength. The only proper solution in this situation is to install a quality waterproofing system. Before choosing a suitable way to eliminate moisture, you need first to know the average cost to seal a basement—this is one of the parameters that help orientate the contractor’s choice properly (whether they offer adequate market rates or not).

Note that the average cost to seal basement is around 5000 USD nationwide. As for the range of prices, homeowners often need to pay between 2300 and 7600 USD for the repairs. However, it is worth considering that each object’s estimate is made individually. Everything depends on several factors. In our article, we will delve into pricing in more detail.

Factors In Calculating The Cost Of Basement Waterproofing

Homeowners often pay an average cost to waterproof basement for 5000 USD. But that doesn’t mean you’ll get a cheque for the same amount. Rates depend on the following most important factors.

Basement Size And Layout

The most important factor determining basement waterproofing cost is the square footage of the property. It’s simple: a large basement requires more material, more specialist work, and more time to complete the project. Repairing a small basement is always cheaper. Compared to the area, the layout of the room does not affect the final cheque for the work as much.

Interior Vs. Exterior Sealing

The final cost to fix water in basement largely depends on the chosen repair option: interior or exterior. The first option will be cheaper because in this case, the walls are often treated with a special compound against moisture. On average, basement sealing cost from the inside will be 200-3000 USD.

For external works, the foundation walls must be excavated first. After that, they can be covered with a special membrane and other materials from the outside. This will cost a lot—from 1000 to 15000 USD. However, the high cost is justified by the effectiveness.

Sealant Type

Different sealants (epoxy, silicate, and others) can be used to protect the walls from moisture. The price of the material itself, as well as additional tools for application and Labor for the master, should be considered.

Labor

The final cost to fix a wet basement is the price of the required amount of material + the cost of specialists’ Labor. Most often, masters charge 3-8 USD per 1 square foot. The contractor should provide his client with an estimate indicating the full list of costs, including Labor. When choosing the right handyman, it does not hurt to compare the rates of several workers.

Geographic Location

It is no less important factor that determines the costs. The fact is that a region with a higher cost of living will have to pay more money. Also, consider another important nuance: if you live in a region where the water table is high, or flooding is frequent, the cost to have the basement waterproofed will be more. In such places, contractors may be in high demand so the rates may be high. This is because handymen in these regions are much more demanding and face severe challenges than handymen in arid regions.

Additional Costs

The above factors are not all. The final basement dewatering system cost depends on many additional parameters.

What material is the foundation made of

Concrete block walls have voids where moisture can accumulate. Therefore, the craftsman must make drainage holes to drain the water. If the walls have serious damage, the repairmen will have to repair them first—this is an additional cost item in your estimate. Therefore, the material of the walls’ foundation and their condition are very important.

Age of the building

The age of the house matters in choosing the right moisture removal solution. For example, if the house was built before the 1960s, it may not have a footer under the foundation. Therefore, additional work may be required for waterproofing.

Repairs

Most often, moisture seeps inside the basement due to cracks in one of the surfaces, which occur due to high hydrostatic pressure. All cracks must be repaired before waterproofing can be created. Up to 7000 USD may be added to the estimate in this case. Block walls are even more costly to repair.

Mould Remediation

If there is mould in the basement, it is dangerous to live in this house. Before starting the remediation work, you must thoroughly treat the walls to eliminate fungus and mould. Most often, craftsmen charge from 1150 to 3400 USD for this work.

Water Table Level

A high water table level is a great danger for the basement. To solve this problem, craftsmen often have to perform external waterproofing of the foundation.

Interior Water Drainage

If a sufficiently large amount of water has accumulated inside, it must be pumped out effectively. In this case, the dry basement systems cost can vary from 1 to 3 USD per linear foot—this is the cost of arranging a proper water drainage system. Also, note that a pump may additionally need to be installed.

Landscape Grading

Improper landscaping can harm the foundation’s condition by causing waterlogging. Therefore, it may be necessary to level the site so the water drains away from the basement walls. Resurfacing a home’s property line can cost anywhere from 1,500 to 5,000 USD.

Gutter And Downspout Additions

Gutters are a must. The water drainage should be 8 feet or more to the side. Therefore, gutter installation may also be added to the job estimate. On average, rates for the work start at USD 600.

Excavation

Waterproofing often involves excavation work, which also costs money. You can rent heavy machinery and excavate the site yourself (it is cheaper) or hire Labor.

Basement Waterproofing Cost By Method

Specialists can advise on a certain option to protect the base of the building from moisture penetration. All types of work can be divided into external and internal. It is, therefore, best to find out the waterproofing basement walls from the inside cost and the pricing for exterior work beforehand.

Exterior Sealing

The presented method involves carrying out work on the outside of the house’s base. Note that the waterproofing exterior basement walls cost also includes earthworks. The masters need to dig out the soil to reach the outer surface. The final exterior basement waterproofing cost directly depends on the chosen method. In general, the work will cost from 1000 to 15,000 USD.

Interior Sealing

The work can be carried out from inside the basement. The final interior basement waterproofing cost depends largely on the material used. The most affordable option is to apply waterproof paint. This process is quite possible to cope with without outside help. If you hire a master, then the price of work will be acceptable. Sealant, waterproofing, or vapour barrier can also be applied. In this case, the estimate is calculated depending on the square footage.

Questions to Ask About Basement Waterproofing

What is the total estimated cost for waterproofing my basement, including all potential additional expenses?

The cost of basement waterproofing varies based on several factors, including the size of your basement, the chosen waterproofing method, and any necessary repairs. Here’s a general breakdown:

Interior Waterproofing: This method involves sealing the interior walls and floors to prevent water intrusion. For a 1,000-square-foot basement, costs typically range from $6,000 to $15,000.
Exterior Waterproofing: This approach includes excavating around the foundation to apply sealants and install drainage systems. For a 1,000-square-foot basement, costs typically range from $10,000 to $15,000.

Additional Expenses:

Foundation Repairs: If your foundation has cracks or structural issues, repairs can range from $500 for minor fixes to over $25,000 for major repairs. Leaquida offers comprehensive foundation repair services to address such issues.
Mold Remediation: Addressing existing mold problems can cost between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on severity. Leaquida provides mold remediation services to ensure a healthy living environment.
Excavation: Necessary for exterior waterproofing, excavation costs can range from $50 to $200 per cubic yard of dirt. Leaquida’s exterior waterproofing services include professional excavation to effectively address water intrusion.
Permits: Depending on local regulations, permits may be required, typically costing between $75 and $150. Leaquida assists with obtaining necessary permits to ensure compliance with local building codes.

Which waterproofing method do you recommend for my situation, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of each?

The choice between interior and exterior waterproofing depends on your specific needs:

Interior Waterproofing:
- Benefits: Generally more affordable and less disruptive.
- Drawbacks: May not address all water intrusion sources and could be less effective in severe cases.
Exterior Waterproofing:
- Benefits: Provides a comprehensive solution by addressing water intrusion before it enters the basement.
- Drawbacks: Higher upfront costs and potential disruption due to excavation.

Leaquida offers both interior and exterior waterproofing services, including foundation waterproofing, crack repair, and leak repair, to address various water intrusion issues effectively.

Can you provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, including materials, labor, and any other charges?

A comprehensive cost breakdown includes:

Materials:
- Sealants and Waterproofing Products: Costs vary based on quality and type.
- Sump Pumps and Drainage Systems: Essential for water management; prices vary based on capacity and features.
Labor:
- Interior Methods: Labor costs can range from $4,500 to $10,000 for a 1,000-square-foot basement.
- Exterior Methods: Labor costs can range from $10,000 to $15,000 for a 1,000-square-foot basement.
Additional Charges:
- Foundation Repairs: Costs vary based on the extent of damage.
- Mold Remediation: Essential if mold is present.
- Excavation: Necessary for exterior waterproofing.
- Permits: Required in some jurisdictions.

Leaquida provides detailed estimates for all services, ensuring transparency and no hidden costs.

What warranties or guarantees do you offer on your waterproofing services?

Warranties vary by contractor and method used. Leaquida offers comprehensive warranties on all waterproofing services, including foundation waterproofing, crack repair, and leak repair, ensuring peace of mind and protection against future water intrusion issues.

How long will the waterproofing process take, and will it disrupt my daily activities?

The duration and impact on daily life depend on the chosen method:

Interior Waterproofing: Generally completed within 1 to 2 weeks. Minimal disruption to daily activities, though some areas may be temporarily inaccessible.
Exterior Waterproofing: Can take 2 to 3 weeks due to excavation and curing times. Significant disruption as work is performed around the home’s perimeter.

Leaquida strives to minimize disruption by working efficiently and keeping you informed throughout the process.

For more information on our services, please visit the following pages:

Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision about waterproofing your basement, ensuring your home remains protected against moisture-related issues.

Note: The costs mentioned are approximate and can vary based on various factors, including location and the specific requirements of your project. It’s advisable to consult with local professionals for accurate estimates tailored to your situation.

For more information on basement waterproofing services, you can visit Leaquida Waterproofing.